Barcode readers and component arrangements thereof

ABSTRACT

Embodiments of the preset invention include a barcode reader that comprises a housing having a handgrip portion and an upper body portion, a first printed circuit board (PCB) extending into the upper body portion, and an imaging module positioned within the upper body portion. In this instance, the imaging module includes an imaging system having an imager and an imaging lens assembly, the imaging system having a field of view with a central imaging axis passing through a window in the upper body portion and lying on a horizontal plane. The imaging module further includes an aiming light system configured to emit an aiming light pattern, the aiming light system offset from the imaging system along the horizontal plane. Furthermore, the components of the barcode reader are arranged such that the first PCB is positioned at an oblique angle relative to the central imaging axis.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/140,644, filed on Apr. 28, 2016, and incorporated herein by referencein its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates generally to an imaging module and animaging reader for, and a method of, reading a target, such as a barcode symbol, to be electro-optically read by image capture over a fieldof view in a range of working distances away from the module/reader,and, more particularly, to using an aiming mark of an aiming lightpattern to substantially center the target in the field of view,especially in a field crowded with targets, and, still moreparticularly, to enhancing the visibility of the aiming mark to serve asa more prominent visual indicator of a center zone of the field of view.

Solid-state imaging systems or imaging readers have long been used, inboth handheld and hands-free modes of operation, in many industries,such as retail, manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, postal,transportation, logistics, etc., to electro-optically read targets, suchas one- or two-dimensional bar code symbols to be decoded. A knownimaging reader generally includes an imaging module that is mounted in ahousing, and that has an aiming light system for projecting a visibleaiming light pattern along an aiming axis to visually locate a targetwithin a field of view and, thus, advise an operator which way thereader is to be moved in order to position the aiming light pattern onthe target, typically at a center thereof, prior to reading; anillumination system for emitting illumination light toward the targetfor reflection and scattering therefrom; and an imaging system having asolid-state imager with a sensor array of photocells or light sensors,and an optical assembly for capturing return illumination lightscattered and/or reflected from the target being imaged over the fieldof view centered on an imaging axis, and for projecting the capturedillumination light onto the imager to initiate capture of an image ofthe target. The imager produces electrical signals that are decodedand/or processed by a programmed microprocessor or controller intoinformation related to the target being read, e.g., decoded dataidentifying the target. The controller is operative for transmitting thedecoded data, either via a wireless or wired link, to a remote host forfurther processing, e.g., price retrieval from a price database toobtain a price for the identified target.

Low cost imagers with rolling shutters are sometimes used to minimizecost, but this advantageously dictates that the aiming system bephysically offset horizontally away from the imaging system. Thishorizontal offset or parallax positions the aiming light pattern to beoff-center relative to the imaging axis and off to one side of thereader, and is especially undesirable when targets in the near rangeclose to the reader are to be read, because the operator would beerroneously guided to position the reader such that a part of the targetwould typically lie outside the field of view, and therefore, the targetwill often not be centered and read.

It is known to configure the aiming light system in the imaging readerwith a laser, a focusing lens, and a pattern shaping optical element,such as a diffractive optical element (DOE), or a refractive opticalelement (ROE) to project the aiming light pattern as, for example, apair of crosshairs for placement at the center of the target, or ascontinuous lines or rows of light spots, for placement on the target toapproximately indicate the field of view. Yet, the lasers and theoptical components of such laser-based aiming systems are relativelyexpensive to fabricate and be optically aligned when mounted in thereader, thereby making them unsuitable for low cost, imaging readers. Itis also known to configure the aiming light system in the imaging readerwith one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) to project the aiminglight pattern as, for example, one or more generally circular spots, oras a single aiming line, for placement on the target. Such aiming lightpatterns generally indicate approximately where the center of the fieldof view is, or indicate approximately where the outer boundaries or endlimits of the field of view are, but not both simultaneously. In anyevent, such laser-based and LED-based aiming systems are subject to thesame aforementioned horizontal offset positioning error when the imagingand aiming light systems are offset from each other.

It is also known to project onto the target an aiming light patternhaving a pair of aiming lines, each with a predetermined brightness, andhaving linear end portions that partially overlap each other to form anaiming mark having a brightness greater than the predeterminedbrightness to visually indicate the approximate center zone of the fieldof view over the range of working distances. Although generallysatisfactory for its intended purpose, experience has shown that theaiming mark is not always clear and discernible in all cases, and is notalways very visible or sufficiently bright when viewed, for example,against white backgrounds, and/or in brightly lit venues, and/or whentext or bar code symbols are introduced into the field of view. Failureto accurately center a target is particularly important when the fieldof view is crowded with targets, for example, when multiple targets arelocated closely adjacent one another in a picklist from which warehousepersonnel must select and read only those targets corresponding toordered items that are to be retrieved from a warehouse or likefacility.

Accordingly, it would be desirable to more accurately and moreprominently indicate the center of the field of view of an imagingreader over a range of working distances despite a horizontal offsetbetween the imaging and aiming light systems of the reader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, where like reference numerals refer toidentical or functionally similar elements throughout the separateviews, together with the detailed description below, are incorporated inand form part of the specification, and serve to further illustrateembodiments of concepts that include the claimed invention, and explainvarious principles and advantages of those embodiments.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of anelectro-optical handheld reader for reading targets by image capture inwhich an imaging module is mounted in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the reader of FIG. 1, with its topremoved to illustrate components of imaging and aiming light systems ofthe reader in accordance with this disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the reader of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the reader of FIG. 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of components of the imaging and aiminglight systems of the reader of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming source apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a firstembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 6B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming source apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a secondembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 7B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 7A.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming source apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a thirdembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 8B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 8A.

FIG. 9A is an overhead view of an upper portion of the imaging readerdepicting how the aiming light sources of the aiming light system areconfigured in accordance with a fourth embodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 9B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 9A.

FIG. 10A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming lens apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a fifthembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 10B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 11A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming lens apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a sixthembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 11B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is an enlarged, elevational view of an upper portion of theimaging module depicting aiming lens apertures of the aiming lightsystem that are optically configured in accordance with a seventhembodiment of this disclosure.

FIG. 12B is an enlarged, diagrammatic view of the aiming light patternproduced by the aiming light system embodiment of FIG. 12A.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions and locations of some of theelements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements tohelp to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention.

The module, reader and method components have been represented whereappropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only thosespecific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments ofthe present invention so as not to obscure the disclosure with detailsthat will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the arthaving the benefit of the description herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with one feature of this disclosure, an imaging module isoperative for reading a target, e.g., a bar code symbol, by imagecapture over a range of working distances away from the module. Themodule includes an imaging system that has an imaging sensor, e.g., atwo-dimensional, solid-state, sensor, such as a charge coupled device(CCD) or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) array of imagesensors, for sensing light returning from the target along an imagingaxis over a field of view that extends along mutually orthogonal,horizontal and vertical axes that are generally perpendicular to theimaging axis. The module also includes an aiming light system that isoffset from the imaging system, and directs an aiming light pattern atthe target and forms the aiming light pattern with an aiming mark in acentral area of the aiming light pattern and with a pair of aiming lightlines that are collinear along the horizontal axis. The aiming lightsystem also enhances the visibility of the aiming mark by opticallyconfiguring the aiming mark to be different in brightness, and/or color,and/or size, and/or state of existence relative to a remaining area ofthe aiming light pattern. The aiming mark of enhanced visibilityconstitutes a prominent visual indicator of a center zone of the fieldof view in which the target is positioned over the range of workingdistances. Thus, the target can be reliably centered in the field ofview, which is of particular importance when the field is crowded withtargets that are closely adjacent one another, and thenelectro-optically read by image capture.

Advantageously, the aiming light system includes a pair of aiming lightassemblies spaced apart along the horizontal axis at opposite sides ofthe imaging sensor. The light assemblies include a pair of aiming lightsources for emitting a pair of aiming lights along a pair of aimingaxes, a pair of aiming source apertures and a pair of aiming lensapertures through which the aiming lights respectively pass along theaiming axes, and a pair of aiming lenses for respectively opticallymodifying the aiming lights to form the aiming light lines.

In one embodiment, the aiming light sources emit the aiming lights withdifferent colors, e.g., red and blue, and the aiming light lines haveinner linear end regions that extend past the imaging axis and thatoverlap on the target to form the aiming mark with a mixed color, e.g.,purple, that is a mixture of the different colors of the aiming lights.Thus, in this embodiment, the aiming mark is optically configured to bedifferent in color relative to the remaining area of the aiming lightpattern.

In another embodiment, the aiming source apertures are elongatedopenings that extend along the horizontal axis and have inner apertureend regions that are closer to the imaging axis and outer aperture endregions that are further away from the imaging axis. The inner apertureend regions and the outer aperture end regions respectively haverelatively taller height dimensions and relatively shorter heightdimensions as considered along the vertical axis. The aiming light lineshave inner linear end regions that extend past the imaging axis and thatoverlap on the target at the central area of the aiming light pattern toform the aiming mark with a mark height, as considered along thevertical axis, at the central area that is greater than a height of theremaining area of the aiming light pattern. In still another embodiment,the inner aperture end regions and the outer aperture end regionsrespectively have relatively shorter height dimensions and relativelytaller height dimensions as considered along the vertical axis. Theaiming light lines have inner linear end regions that extend past theimaging axis and that overlap on the target at the central area of theaiming light pattern to form the aiming mark with a mark height, asconsidered along the vertical axis, at the central area that is lesserthan a height of the remaining area of the aiming light pattern. Thus,in the latter two embodiments, the aiming mark is optically configuredto be different in size, e.g., taller or shorter in height, relative tothe remaining area of the aiming light pattern.

In a further embodiment, the aiming lenses are optically modified toconfigure the aiming lights to intersect each other at a distance awayfrom the module. The aiming light lines have inner linear end regionsthat are spaced apart and away from the imaging axis to form the aimingmark as a gap between the aiming light lines. Thus, in this embodiment,the aiming mark is optically configured to be different in its state ofexistence relative to the remaining area of the aiming light pattern. Inother words, the gap can be considered as a negative or null state,whereas the remaining area of the aiming light pattern can be consideredas a positive or non-null state.

In additional embodiments, the aiming lens apertures are openingsthrough which the aiming lights pass and overlap on the target at thecentral area of the aiming light pattern to form the aiming mark. Theseopenings are optically configured to increase the brightness of theaiming mark at the central area that is greater than a brightness of theremaining area of the aiming light pattern. Thus, the shape of each ofthese openings can be a single rectangle having a predetermined height,or a single taller rectangle of increased height, or a plurality ofspaced-apart rectangles arranged along a row.

Advantageously, the aiming light lines have outer linear end regionsthat extend along the horizontal axis toward, and that visuallyindicate, approximate boundary zones of the field of view over the rangeof working distances. The field of view is generally rectangular and hasa horizontal dimension along the horizontal axis. The outer linear endregions have opposite ends that are spaced apart along the horizontalaxis by a distance that is slightly less than the horizontal dimensionof the field of view over at least part of the range of workingdistances. This also assists and guides an operator in finding anoptimum target reading position. Thus, the center and/or approximate endlimits of the field of view are accurately and simultaneously indicatedover the range of working distances despite a horizontal offset betweenthe imaging and aiming light systems of the module. Advantageously, theaiming axes and the imaging axis generally lie in a common plane and aregenerally parallel to one another. The aiming light lines increase inlength, and the field of view increases proportionally in area, in adirection away from the module.

In accordance with another feature of this disclosure, theaforementioned imaging module is mounted in a housing of an imagingreader that has a light-transmissive window. The imaging sensor senseslight returning from the target through the window, and the aiming lightpattern is directed through the window at the target. The housing ispreferably embodied as a portable, point-of-transaction, gun-shaped,handheld housing, but could be embodied as a handheld, box-shapedhousing, or any other configuration including a hands-freeconfiguration.

In accordance with yet another feature of this disclosure, a method ofreading a target by image capture over a range of working distances awayfrom an imaging reader, is performed by sensing light returning from thetarget along an imaging axis over a field of view that extends alongmutually orthogonal, horizontal and vertical axes that are generallyperpendicular to the imaging axis, by directing an aiming light patternat the target, by forming the aiming light pattern with an aiming markin a central area of the aiming light pattern and with a pair of aiminglight lines that are collinear along the horizontal axis, and byenhancing the visibility of the aiming mark, e.g., by opticallyconfiguring the aiming mark to be different in at least one ofbrightness, and/or color, and/or size, and/or state of existencerelative to a remaining area of the aiming light pattern. The aimingmark of enhanced visibility constitutes a prominent visual indicator ofa center zone of the field of view in which the target is positionedover the range of working distances.

Turning now to the drawings, reference numeral 30 in FIG. 1 generallyidentifies a handheld imaging reader for electro-optically readingtargets, such as bar code symbols or like indicia. The reader 30includes a housing 32 in which an imaging or scan engine or module 40,as described in detail below in connection with FIG. 5, is mounted. Thehousing 32 includes a generally elongated handle or lower handgripportion 28 and a barrel or upper body portion or top 24 having a frontend at which a light-transmissive window 26 is located. Thecross-sectional dimensions and overall size of the handle 28 are suchthat the reader 30 can conveniently be held in an operator's hand. Thebody and handle portions 24, 28 may be constructed of a lightweight,resilient, shock-resistant, self-supporting material, such as asynthetic plastic material. The plastic housing 32 may be injectionmolded, but can also be vacuum-formed or blow-molded to form a thinhollow shell which bounds an interior space whose volume is sufficientto contain the various components of this reader 30. A manuallyactuatable trigger 34 is mounted in a moving relationship on the handle28 in a forward-facing region of the reader 30. An operator's forefingeris used to actuate the reader 30 to initiate reading by depressing thetrigger 34. Although the housing 32 is illustrated as a portable,point-of-transaction, gun-shaped, handheld housing, this is merelyexemplary, because the housing could also be embodied as a handheld,box-shaped housing, or with any other configuration including ahands-free configuration.

FIGS. 2-3 depict the reader 30 with the top 24 removed and exposing themodule 40 therein. As best shown in FIG. 5, the module 40 includes animaging system having a solid-state imager 10, and an imaging lensassembly 12 mounted in a tubular holder 14 that has a circular imagingaperture 16. The imager 30 is a two-dimensional, charge coupled device(CCD) array or a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) array ofcells or sensors having either a global or a rolling shlutter.Preferably, for low cost reasons, a CMOS imager is advantageously usedwith a rolling shutter. The imager 10 and imaging lens 12 are preferablyaligned along a centerline or an optical imaging axis 18 generallycentrally located within the upper body portion 24.

In operation, the imaging system captures return light passing throughthe window 26 along the imaging axis 18 centered in an imaging field ofview 20 of the imaging lens assembly 12 from a target located in a rangeof working distances away from the window 26. The imager 10 isadvantageously positioned closer to a rear wall of the upper bodyportion 24 than to a front of the housing in order to enlarge theimaging field of view 20 in the near range of working distances close tothe reader 30. The imaging lens 32 preferably comprises one or morefixed-focus lenses, preferably a Cooke triplet, having an imaging planeat which the target is best focused and imaged onto the imager 10. Thefield of view 20 is generally rectangular and extends along theillustrated mutually orthogonal, horizontal (X—X) and vertical (Y—Y)axes that are generally perpendicular to the imaging axis 18. Thesensors produce electrical signals corresponding to a two-dimensionalarray of pixel information for an image of the target. The electricalsignals are processed by a controller or programmed microprocessor 22into data indicative of the target being read. The controller 22 isconnected to a memory 36 for data retrieval and storage. The controller22 and the memory 36 are mounted on a printed circuit board 38, whichneed not be mounted in the module 40 as shown, but could be mountedremotely from the module 40.

The imaging system is capable of acquiring a full image of the targetunder various lighting conditions. A non-illustrated illumination systemmay also be mounted on the module 40 to provide illumination light toilluminate the target. Exposure time is controlled by the controller 22.Resolution of the array can be of various sizes although a VGAresolution of 640×480 pixels may be used to minimize cost.

An aiming light system, including a pair of aiming light assemblies, issupported on the module 40, and is offset from the imaging system. Theaiming system is operative for projecting on the target various aiminglight patterns 100 (see FIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B and 9B), as described in detailbelow. The aiming light assemblies are spaced apart along the horizontalaxis (X—X) at opposite sides of the imaging sensor 10. Each aiming lightassembly includes an aiming light source or light emitting diode (LED)42, preferably, but not necessarily, mounted on the circuit board 38; agenerally linear, elongated aiming source aperture 46 that extends alongthe horizontal axis (X—X) in front of the LED 42; an aiming lens 44,preferably a toroidal lens, mounted away from its respective LED 42; andan aiming lens aperture 62 preferably situated upstream of the aiminglens 44. Each LED 42, source aperture 46, lens aperture 62, and lens 44are centered and lie along a respective aiming axis 48. The aiming axes48 generally lie in a common plane and are generally parallel to oneanother. As shown, the LEDs 42 and the sensor 10 are preferably mountedalong a common horizontal axis. Advantageously, the imaging axis 18 liesin the same plane and is generally parallel to the aiming axes 48.

The aiming light assemblies are operative for directing the aiming lightemitted from each LED 42 through the respective source aperture 46, therespective lens aperture 62, and the respective lens 44 along therespective aiming axis 48 over an aiming field 52 that is centered onthe respective aiming axis 48 at the target. On the target, these aimingfields 52 describe a pair of aiming light lines 50, which are collinearalong the horizontal axis (X—X). As shown in FIG. 5, the aiming lightlines 50 have inner linear end regions 50A that extend past the imagingaxis 18 and that overlap on the target to form an aiming mark 60. Thus,the operator can position the aiming mark 60 on the target, and thetarget will be substantially centered in the imaging field of view 20despite the offset between the imaging and aiming light systems. This ishelpful during a picklist mode of operation when choosing betweenmultiple targets that are situated close together in the field of view.

In accordance with this disclosure, the aiming light system enhances thevisibility of the aiming mark 60 by optically configuring the aimingmark 60 to be different, as described below, in brightness, and/orcolor, and/or size, and/or state of existence relative to a remainingarea of the aiming light pattern. The aiming mark 60 of enhancedvisibility constitutes a prominent visual indicator of a center zone ofthe field of view 20 in which the target is positioned over the range ofworking distances.

A front elevational view of an upper portion of the module 40 isdepicted in FIGS. 6A, 7A, and 8A. The aiming source apertures 46 aresituated at opposite sides of the imaging aperture 16. In a firstembodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B, the aiming light sources 42 emitthe aiming lights with different colors, e.g., red and blue, through theaiming source apertures 46. As illustrated, the aiming source apertures46 are generally rounded, rectangular openings of generally uniformheight, as considered along the vertical axis (Y—Y). The aiming lightlines 50 have inner linear end regions 50A that extend past the imagingaxis 18 and that overlap on the target to form the aiming mark 60 with amixed color, e.g., purple, that is a mixture of the different colors ofthe aiming lights. Thus, in the first embodiment, the aiming mark 60 isoptically configured to be different in color relative to the remainingarea of the aiming light pattern 100. It will be understood that thecolors red and blue are merely exemplary and that other colors could beused.

In a second embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, the aiming sourceapertures 46 are generally rounded, isosceles trapezoidal openings thatare elongated and extend along the horizontal axis (X—X) and have inneraperture end regions 46A that are closer to the imaging axis 18 andouter aperture end regions 46B that are further away from the imagingaxis 18. The inner aperture end regions 46A and the outer aperture endregions 46B respectively have relatively taller height dimensions andrelatively shorter height dimensions as considered along the verticalaxis (Y—Y). The aiming light lines 50 have inner linear end regions 50Athat extend past the imaging axis 18 and that overlap on the target atthe central area of the aiming light pattern 100 to form the aiming mark60 with a mark height, as considered along the vertical axis (Y—Y), atthe central area that is greater than a height of the remaining area ofthe aiming light pattern 100. Thus, in the second embodiment, the aimingmark 60 is optically configured to be different in size, e.g., taller inheight, relative to the remaining area of the aiming light pattern 100.The taller or fatter aiming mark 60 prominently indicates the centerzone of the field of view 20.

In a third embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B, the inner aperture endregions 46A and the outer aperture end regions 46B respectively haverelatively shorter height dimensions and relatively taller heightdimensions as considered along the vertical axis (Y—Y). The aiming lightlines 50 have inner linear end regions 50A that extend past the imagingaxis 18 and that overlap on the target at the central area of the aiminglight pattern 100 to form the aiming mark 60 with a mark height, asconsidered along the vertical axis (Y—Y), at the central area that islesser than a height of the remaining area of the aiming light pattern100. Thus, in the third embodiment, the aiming mark 60 is opticallyconfigured to be different in size, e.g., shorter in height, relative tothe remaining area of the aiming light pattern 100. The shorter orthinner aiming mark 60 prominently indicates the center zone of thefield of view 20.

In a fourth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9A-9B, the aiming lenses 44are optically modified, for example, by changing the curvatures of theirexit surfaces, to configure the aiming lights to intersect each other ata distance away from the reader 30. In a near range of workingdistances, e.g., up to about six inches away from the reader 30, forexample, at the indicated target image plane, the aiming light lines 50have inner linear end regions 50A that are spaced apart and away fromthe imaging axis 18 to form the aiming mark 60 as a gap between theaiming light lines 50. Thus, in the fourth embodiment, the aiming mark60 is optically configured to be different in its state of existencerelative to the remaining area of the aiming light pattern 100. In otherwords, the gap can be considered as a negative or null state ofexistence, whereas the remaining area of the aiming light pattern 100can be considered as a positive or non-null state of existence.

In a fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A-10B, each aiming lensaperture 62 is a single rectangular opening (FIG. 10A) through whicheach aiming light passes. As shown in FIG. 10B, the aiming lightsoverlap on the target at the central area of the aiming light pattern toform the aiming mark 60. Each single opening is optically configured toincrease the brightness of the aiming mark 60 at the central area thatis greater than a brightness of the remaining area of the aiming lightpattern. In a sixth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11A-11B, each aiminglens aperture 62 is a single rectangular opening of greater height (FIG.11A) as compared to that of the opening in FIG. 10A. In this sixthembodiment, the brightness of the aiming mark 60 due to the talleropening is greater than the brightness of the aiming mark 60 of thefifth embodiment. In a seventh embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 12A-12B,each aiming lens aperture 62 is configured as a plurality of openingsthat are separated from one another by vertical slits. In this seventhembodiment, a plurality of highly visible gaps 64 (FIG. 12B) are formedin the aiming light pattern. Thus, the shape of each of these openingscan be a single rectangle having a predetermined height, or a singletaller rectangle of increased height, or a plurality of spaced-apartrectangles arranged along a row. Each aiming lens aperture 62 can beformed as an outline on an entrance surface of a respective aiming lens44, or as a patterned coating or texture on the entrance surface, or asa separate aperture baffle element.

In all of the embodiments, the aiming light lines 50 also have outerlinear end regions 50B that extend along the horizontal axis (X—X)toward, and that visually indicate, approximate boundary zones or endlimits of the field of view 20 over the range of working distances.Thus, the operator is guided to position the outer linear end regions50B on the target, such that the target will be substantially containedentirely within the imaging field of view 20 despite the offset betweenthe imaging and aiming systems.

As best seen in FIGS. 3-4, the aiming light lines 50 increase in length,and the field of view 20 increases proportionally in area, in adirection away from the reader 30. As seen in FIGS. 6B, 7B, 8B, and 9B,the field of view 20 has a horizontal dimension along the horizontalaxis (X—X), and the outer linear end regions 50B have opposite edges orends 50C that are spaced apart along the horizontal axis (X—X) by adistance that closely approximates the horizontal dimension over atleast part of the range of working distances. For example, this distancecan be slightly less, e.g., 10%-30% less, than the horizontal dimensionover at least part of the range of working distances. A pair of lightbaffles 70 (see FIG. 3) may be provided within the reader housing tocreate cleaner outside edges 50C for the aiming light pattern 100. Thisdistance is advantageously optimized to read some difficult-to-readtargets in a selected part of the working distance range, especially inthe near part of said range, which is ideal for reading suchdifficult-to-read targets.

By way of numerical example, in the first embodiment of FIGS. 6A-6B, atabout 5 inches away from the window 26, the aiming light pattern 100,i.e., the distance between the opposite ends 50C of the outer linear endregions 50B, is about 5 inches in length along the horizontal axis (X—X)and about 0.5 inches in height along the vertical axis (Y—Y), and theaiming mark 60 is about 1.5 inches in length along the horizontal axis(X—X) and also about 0.5 inches in height along the vertical axis (Y—Y),and the horizontal dimension of the field of view 20 is slightly morethan 5 inches. Thus, once the target is covered by the aiming lightpattern 100, the target is guaranteed to be within the field of view 20.As the distance between the reader 30 and the target decreases, theaiming mark 60 decreases in size until it shrinks to a spot when thetarget comes close or touches the reader. This helps to center thetarget when reading in the near range despite the offset between theimaging and aiming systems.

In the foregoing specification, specific embodiments have beendescribed. However, one of ordinary skill in the art appreciates thatvarious modifications and changes can be made without departing from thescope of the invention as set forth in the claims below. For example,the visibility of the aiming mark can be further enhanced by combiningfeatures from the embodiments. Thus, the different colors of the aiminglights emitted by the aiming light sources 42 and described inconnection with the first embodiment can be used to advantage with anyof the other embodiments. In addition, the shapes of the aiming sourceapertures 46 described in connection with the second and thirdembodiments can be used to advantage with any of the other embodiments.Furthermore, the optical configuration of the aiming lenses 44 describedin connection with the fourth embodiment can be used to advantage withany of the other embodiments. Accordingly, the specification and figuresare to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense,and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scopeof present teachings.

The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element(s) thatmay cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become morepronounced are not to be construed as a critical, required, or essentialfeatures or elements of any or all the claims. The invention is definedsolely by the appended claims including any amendments made during thependency of this application and all equivalents of those claims asissued.

Moreover in this document, relational terms such as first and second,top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish oneentity or action from another entity or action without necessarilyrequiring or implying any actual such relationship or order between suchentities or actions. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,”“having,” “includes,” “including,” “contains,” “containing,” or anyother variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusiveinclusion, such that a process, method, article, or arrangement thatcomprises, has, includes, contains a list of elements does not includeonly those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listedor inherent to such process, method, article, or arrangement. An elementproceeded by “comprises . . . a,” “has . . . a,” “includes . . . a,” or“contains . . . a,” does not, without more constraints, preclude theexistence of additional identical elements in the process, method,article, or arrangement that comprises, has, includes, or contains theelement. The terms “a” and “an” are defined as one or more unlessexplicitly stated otherwise herein. The terms “substantially,”“essentially,” “approximately,” “about,” or any other version thereof,are defined as being close to as understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art, and in one non-limiting embodiment the term is defined to bewithin 10%, in another embodiment within 5%, in another embodimentwithin 1%, and in another embodiment within 0.5%. The term “coupled” asused herein is defined as connected, although not necessarily directlyand not necessarily mechanically. A device or structure that is“configured” in a certain way is configured in at least that way, butmay also be configured in ways that are not listed.

It will be appreciated that some embodiments may be comprised of one ormore generic or specialized processors (or “processing devices”) such asmicroprocessors, digital signal processors, customized processors, andfield programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and unique stored programinstructions (including both software and firmware) that control the oneor more processors to implement, in conjunction with certainnon-processor circuits, some, most, or all of the functions of themethod and/or arrangement described herein. Alternatively, some or allfunctions could be implemented by a state machine that has no storedprogram instructions, or in one or more application specific integratedcircuits (ASICs), in which each function or some combinations of certainof the functions are implemented as custom logic. Of course, acombination of the two approaches could be used.

Moreover, an embodiment can be implemented as a computer-readablestorage medium having computer readable code stored thereon forprogramming a computer (e.g., comprising a processor) to perform amethod as described and claimed herein. Examples of suchcomputer-readable storage mediums include, but are not limited to, ahard disk, a CD-ROM, an optical storage device, a magnetic storagedevice, a ROM (Read Only Memory), a PROM (Programmable Read OnlyMemory), an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory), an EEPROM(Electrically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory) and a Flashmemory. Further, it is expected that one of ordinary skill,notwithstanding possibly significant effort and many design choicesmotivated by, for example, available time, current technology, andeconomic considerations, when guided by the concepts and principlesdisclosed herein, will be readily capable of generating such softwareinstructions and programs and ICs with minimal experimentation.

The Abstract of the Disclosure is provided to allow the reader toquickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure. It issubmitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpretor limit the scope or meaning of the claims. In addition, in theforegoing Detailed Description, it can be seen that various features aregrouped together in various embodiments for the purpose of streamliningthe disclosure. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted asreflecting an intention that the claimed embodiments require morefeatures than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as thefollowing claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than allfeatures of a single disclosed embodiment. Thus, the following claimsare hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claimstanding on its own as a separately claimed subject matter.

We claim:
 1. A barcode reader comprising: a housing having a handgripportion and an upper body portion; a first printed circuit board (PCB)extending into the upper body portion; and an imaging module positionedwithin the upper body portion, the imaging module including: an imagingsystem having an imager and an imaging lens assembly, the imaging systemhaving a field of view with a central imaging axis passing through awindow in the upper body portion and lying on a horizontal plane; and anaiming light system configured to emit an aiming light pattern, theaiming light system offset from the imaging system along the horizontalplane, wherein the first PCB is positioned at an oblique angle relativeto the central imaging axis.
 2. The barcode reader of claim 1, whereinthe imaging module further includes a second PCB, and wherein both ofthe imager and a portion of the aiming light system are positioned onthe second PCB.
 3. The barcode reader of claim 1, wherein the imagingmodule further includes an illumination system configured to provideillumination light to illuminate a target.
 4. The barcode reader ofclaim 1, wherein the imaging module further includes a first side and adiametrically opposed second side, the first side facing the window anda front end of the upper body portion, the second side facing the firstPCB and a rear end of the upper body portion, and wherein the imagingmodule is positioned within the upper body portion such a first distancefrom the second side of the imaging module to the front end of the upperbody portion is greater than a second distance from the second side ofthe imaging module to the first PCB.
 5. The barcode reader of claim 1,wherein the aiming light system is configured to emit the aiming lightpattern along the horizontal plane.